Senior Media Advisor at Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children, Multiple Locations

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Help shape compelling stories and manage media engagement
• Wellington, Auckland or Christchurch based preferred
• Fixed term or secondment covering leave till Feb 2027

Are you an experienced media professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and knows how to build trusted relationships with journalists, leaders and stakeholders? Oranga Tamariki is seeking a Senior Media Advisor to help strengthen public confidence in the organisation's work supporting tamariki and whānau across Aotearoa.

Mō mātou | About us

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children has a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of what we do. In our work, we aim to demonstrate these values:

• We put Tamariki first
• We believe Aroha is vital
• We respect the Mana of people
• We are Tika and Pono 
• We value Whakapapa
• We recognise that Oranga is a journey

We are committed to ensuring that New Zealand is the best place in the world to be a child. We are also committed to ensuring Oranga Tamariki partners with hapū, iwi and Māori organisations to find appropriate solutions for tamariki in need.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

Reporting to the Chief Media Advisor within the Office of the Chief Executive, you'll play a key role in managing media relationships, providing strategic advice, identifying proactive media opportunities and supporting the organisation through complex and sensitive issues. You'll work closely with senior leaders, operational teams, Ministers' offices and media stakeholders to ensure consistent, high-quality communications that support the mission of Oranga Tamariki

• Building and maintaining strong relationships with journalists, editors and media influencers.
• Managing reactive media enquiries and driving proactive media opportunities.
• Providing strategic media advice to senior leaders and stakeholders.
• Developing engaging media content and supporting storytelling across multiple channels.
• Anticipating emerging issues and managing reputational risk.
• Contributing to organisation-wide communications strategies and messaging.
• Coaching and mentoring colleagues within the communications team.

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring

Key requirements of the role include: 

• Experience in a senior media, journalism or communications role.
• Strong understanding of government, public sector environments and the machinery of government.
• Proven ability to work effectively under pressure and manage sensitive, high-profile issues.
• Exceptional writing, media engagement and content creation skills.
• Strong stakeholder management, influencing and relationship-building capabilities.
• Sound judgement, discretion and the ability to navigate complex situations with empathy.
• Understanding and appreciation of cross-cultural practices in particular; knowledge of tikanga Māori, and Pacific peoples’ culture 

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Oranga Tamariki offer a step-based remuneration package, that offers progression annually for experience through tenure. Annual remuneration for this position starts between $125,926 and $139,459 dependant on experience. We offer a vibrant and supportive team, flexible work options and a genuine commitment to wellbeing. We offer significant training and professional development so that you can thrive and grow. We welcome diversity and are committed to working in an inclusive and respectful way. This is your opportunity to apply your skills and experience to the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi. 

To see all the benefits of working for Oranga Tamariki, please visit https://mahi.orangatamariki.govt.nz/working-with-us/employee-benefits/

Me pēhea te tuku tono  | How to Apply

Apply online with your CV and Covering Letter. A strong cover letter should complement your CV by telling a compelling story about why you're the right fit for the role, why you want the role, why Oranga Tamariki and what you bring.

If you are an Oranga Tamariki employee already, please ensure you apply with a log in using your Oranga Tamariki email address.

If you have any questions about role, please contact Info_recruit@ot.govt.nz

Hurry as applications for this role close at midnight on Sunday 12th July 2026

If you are interested in any of our vacancies, please ensure that you make yourself familiar with our code of conduct as it sets out our expectations for our kaimahi and requires you to present at work free from the influences of both drugs and alcohol.